Molten metal delivery system

ABSTRACT

A molten metal delivery system comprising a molten metal dispensing station and a molten metal reservoir; and a communicating conduit therebetween. The conduit includes a resealable closure member at the highest point intermediate the ends thereof. Another resealable closure member is provided for the lowest end of the conduit within the reservoir and dispensing or metering means may be provided at the other end.

g United States Patent 1191 1111 3,815,623 Farmer June 11, 1974 [5 MOLTEN METAL DELIVERY SYSTEM 2,549,790 4/1951 Finkeldey et a1. 137/142 x 2,688,461 9/1954 Simpson 137/147 X [75] Invent Mldlothldm 3,174,197 3/1965 Stauffer 164/281 x 73 Assignee; Farmer Mold & Machine works, 3,354,292 11/1967 Kahn 137/341 X Inc. Chicago m 3,398,262 8/1968 Kahn 137/341 x 3,467,167 9/1969 Mahin 1 164/281 X [22] Filed: NOV. 4, 1971 3,552,478 1/1971 Lauerner 137/142 X 3,617,699 11/1971 Othmer 137/341 X PP No.1 196,472 3,670,799 6/1972 Vogel 61111. 164/337 x [52] US. Cl 137/142, 137/144, 137/341 Primary n nry Klinksiek [51] Int. Cl. F161 43/00 Attorney. Agent, or FirmC0ffee & Sweeney [58] Field of Search 266/38; 164/281, 337, 338;

137/142, 144, 147, 150.5, 341, 143; [57] ABSTRACT 285/DIG' 156 A molten metal delivery system comprising a molten 6 f metal dispensing station and a molten metal reservoir; [5 1 Re erences and a communicating conduit therebetween. The con- UNITED STATES PATENTS duit includes a resealable closure member at the high- 916,314 3/1909 Hitt 164/337 X est point intermediate the ends thereof.- Another rel,l72,958 2/1916 Donohue 285/121 scalable closure member is provided for the lowest 119441733 1/ Q k 266/33 end of the conduit within the reservoir and dispensing 2,272,655 2/1942 Brlese 137/142 x or metering means may be provided at the other 2,372,628 3/1945 Logan et al 266/38 X 2,397,512 4/1946 Schwartz et a1. 266/38 X 7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures BACKGROUND or THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to molten metal delivery systems for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a station for receiving and casting molten metal into a solid form. I 1

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Molten metal delivery systems commonly rely upon a pressure head concept to deliver molten metal from a reservoir to a casting station or the like. Alternative forms of delivering molten metal include the concept of dipping into a reservoir with a bucket or cup-like apparatus and then delivering the molten metal to a station. 7 v

In the field'of battery fabricating mechanisms, such as those mechanisms recently developed for use in carrying out the so-called cast on method of battery fabrication, such as exemplified in Farmer patent 3,504,73l, molten metal is deliveredfrom a reservoir through a conduit extending outwardly therefrom below the level of the liquid to the casting station for delivery into a series of molten metal pools to be cast on battery post and straps. This form of delivery system is satisfactory andworkable, but has some disadvantages in those instances where the components of the casting station must be repaired, or where the casting station is to be changed to be adapted to cast post and straps on different size batteries, or in any instance where it is desired to stop the flow of molten metal in an effort to either repair a portion of the fluid delivery line or change'the casting conditions thereof. Accordingly, it is the object of this invention to meet'the need and desire in the art to provide an improvement in a system for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a casting station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION metal reservoir, a dispensing means such as a castingstation for receiving molten metal from the reservoir and casting it into solid form on another component, with conduit means interposed between the reservoir and the casting station, the conduit means having a portion of higher elevation than the remainder of the system. In addition, the conduit is provided with an up right portion which extends downwardly into the reservoir and terminates in an open end. A first resealable closure member is provided for closing the open end of the upright portion within the reservoir and a second resealable closure member is provided in the portion of higher elevation. The second resealable closure means may be opened and molten metal poured into the con-. duit, following which the second resealable means may be closed, and subsequent thereto, the first resealable closure member may be removed from thebottom of the open end of the conduit within the reservoir so that the system is in a condition for the continual'flow of molten metal through the conduit from the reservoir to the dispensing station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic top plan view of. the molten metaldelivery system of this invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a portion of the molten metal delivery system of this invention, and

FIG. 4 is an enlarged section view taken generally along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3. I

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a specificembodiment therefor, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended .to

limit the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED- EMBODIMENT The molten metal delivery system 10 of this invention is intended for use in delivering molten metal 12 from a reservoir 14 to a dispensing station 16, or a similar station, wherein the molten metal is to be cast into a solid form. I

The dispensing station 16 may be similar to the casting stationportion of a battery fabricating machine 18, such as shown and illustrated in the Farmer US. Pat.

No. 3,504,731 assigned to the assignee of thisinvention. The battery fabricating machine 18 disclosed'and claimed in Farmer US. Pat. No. 3,504,731, is utilized in carrying out the so-called cast-on" method of battery fabrication. The machine includes a loading station 20, a fluxing station 22, a casting station 16' and an unloading station 24. By way of example, casting station 16' is provided with dispensing and metering means which includes a pair of manifolds 16a, each having a plurality of valve blocks 16b in communication therewith. The valve blocks terminate in openings 16c and flow of molten metal through openings 16c is controlled by valve actuator links 16d. Molten metal 12 is fed from reservoir 14 to the casting station 16', through valve blocks 16b, where it is cast upon the lugs of the battery elements to form straps and posts, as desired, of battery groups which are to be assembled into batteries. i

Included in the molten metal delivery system of this invention is a conduit means 26, preferably in the form of an identical pair of conduits for delivering molten metal to a casting station 16 where there are provided two rows of mold pools. It is to be understood that the inventionneed not be limited to, or only applied in, a

situation where'there are two conduits 26, but isv equally applicable wherein there is only a single conduit or a multiplicity of conduits 26.

26 has a horizontal portion 30 which terminates in a U- shaped portion 32, which, in turn, terminates in an upwardly inclined portion 34. Upwardly inclined portion 34 terminates in a portion of uppermost elevation, such as the rounded peak 36, from which the conduit 26 extends in a slight downward taper 38 towards an elbow fitting 40. Elbow fitting 40 receives upright tube 42 which terminates in another, or open, end 44.

The molten metal delivery system is further provided with a first resealable closure means 46. First closure means 46 includes an elongate handle 48 having a transversely returned upper portion 50 at the upper end thereof, and a lateral extension 52 at the lower end thereof. Lateral extension 52 supports an uprightly extending plug 54 ofa size and shape to snugly occupy the interior of the open end 44 of upright tube 42 of conduit 26.

The molten metal delivery system of this invention also includes a second resealable closure means 58 for establishing communication with the interior of the conduit 26. Second closure means 58 includes an opening 60 in the conduit having a plug fitting 62 connected therein. Plug fitting 62 includes the through opening 64 and a threaded exterior 66 for receiving the threaded interior 68 of cap 68a.

The molten metal delivery system of this invention is further provided with a means for heating the conduit 26. As shown, particularly in FIG. 4, preferably, the conduit 26 is generally rectangular in cross-section. A heater rod 70 extends along the underside of the conduit between end 28 and elbow 40. The heater rod 70 is received within a heat dissipater 72 and, particularly, within a channel 74 thereof. Preferably, the heat dissipater 72 is made of a metal similar to the conduit 26 so that the expansion rate of the dissipator and conduit will be the same and so that the conduit will rapidly absorb and receive excess heat given off by the heater rod 70.

In use, the conduit is first activated for delivering molten metal from the reservoir by inserting the plug 54 of first closure means 46 into the open end 44. Following this, the cap 68a of the second closure means 58 is removed from the threaded exterior 66 of plug 62 and molten lead is; supplied through the plug opening 64 and opening 60 in the conduit into the interior'of the conduit 26. After the interior of the conduit 26 is completely filled with molten lead, the threaded cap 68 is again screwed-onto the threaded exterior to close the second closure means. Following this, the plug 54 of the first closure means 46 is removed from the open end 44 of the upright portion 42 of conduit 26. This places the system in a condition for continual siphoning or movement of the molten metal 12 from the reservoir 14 to the dispensing station- 16 when the metering means, if any, are open or in a dispensing condition. This condition will continue until it is interrupted, such as by means of re-establishing' communication with the exterior of the conduit 26 by removing the cap 68a of the second closure means or by way of replacing the first closure means member.

When the movement of molten metal to the conduit 26 is terminated, such as byiremoving cap 68a, a quantity of molten metal will remain in the conduit. However, this metal will-remain in aliquid state due to the presence of the heater rod 70. Repairs or adjustments which may have to be made at the dispensing station 16 can be performed, following which the system can be immediately returned to operation by the procedure previously described. In those instances where the dispensing station is a casting station which is adapted for casting portions on battery plates wherein the lugs are spaced a different distanceapart, the conduits 26 may be easily adjusted by lateral movement relative to each other without further interruption of the delivery process. This system tends to draw molten metal closest to the bottom of the reservoir where the molten metal is less likely to contain impurities or foreign matter.

The heater rod 70 is preferably an electrical resistance heater which is connected to a source of power for generating heat along the length of the rod. This type of rod may be easily bent to follow the serpentine contour of the conduit 26 and, in combination with the rectangular cross-sectional configuration of the conduit, and the adjacent heat dissipater 72, provides a thorough distribution of heat throughout the entirety of the conduit. As diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3 a support member 80 may be positioned atthe reservoir 14 to assist in holding the conduit 26 suitably elevated with an open end 44 of portion 42 closely adjacent to, but spaced from, the bottom of the reservoir 14.

It has been found that the metal delivery system of this invention maintains a steadier flow of molten metal through the conduit thereby promoting a more uniform dispensation of molten metal from the valve manifold. The flow can be immediately shut off by removing cap 68a to allow the entry of air into the system. During the interim, the heater rod will maintain molten metal remaining in the conduit in a liquid state and the flow of metal may be rapidly resumed. The specific configuration of the conduit and captivation of the heater rod within the dissipator 72 has been found to prolong the life of the heater rod. In those instances where two conduits 26 are in communication with two sides of a casting station, the conduits are free-to float" relative to i plates and provides a steady flow of purer molten metal to a casting station.

- While the preferred embodiment illustrates the use of the plug 54 and cap 68a'for initiating and terminating fluid flow it is to be understood that other procedures could be utilized. For example, the end 44 could remain open and the cap 68a removed, following which a source of suction could be'applied to the system through the opening 64. One means of accomplishing this is to thread a short length of hollow pipe about the a threaded exterior 66 and then applying suction to the pipe. As molten lead begins to flow through the system, some of it will be drawn up through the relatively cold suction pipe. It will rapidly harden, thereby sealing off the system at this point and permitting the continued flow of molten lead through the conduit 26.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be' understood therefrom, as some modifications may be obvious to those skilled in the art.

pensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening submerged in the molten metal in the reservoir; said conduit normally being continuously full of molten metal when in use; a first resealable closure means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; second releasable closure means at an elevated position intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the conduit when opened to stop the siphon flow from the reservoir to the dispensing station in case repairs are needed; whereby when said first closure means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the second closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the second closure means may be closed, the firstclosure means removed, and the conduit will be in a condition providing continuous communicationof molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station.

2. The molten metal delivery system of claim 1 wherein said second closure means is located substantially at the uppermost portion of said conduit.

3. The molten metal delivery system of claim 1 wherein heater means is associated with the conduit and extends from said uprightportion to said dispensing station and a heat dissipation member embracing said heater means. I

4. The molten metal delivery system of claim 3 wherein the heat dissipation member comprises a channeled member which extends generally the length of the conduit.

5. A molten metal delivery system for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a dispensing station comprising:

a conduit means having one end in communication with said dispensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening positioned in the reservoir; a first resealable closure means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; second resealable closure means intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the conduit; whereby when said first closure means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the second closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the second closure means maybe closed, the first closure means removed, and the conduit will be in I a condition for permitting flow of molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station, said first closure means including an upright plug mounted on a lateral extension of an elongate handle.

6. A molten metal delivery system for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a dispensing station comprising:

a conduit means having one end in communication with said dispensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening positioned in the reservoir; plug means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; means for moving said plug means between sealing and opening positions with respect to said other end of the conduit; resealable closure means intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior 'of the conduit; whereby when said plug means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the resealable closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the closure means may be closed, the plug means removed to open position, and the conduit will be in a condition for permitting flow of molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station.

7.'A molten metal delivery system for delivering molten metal from areservoir to a dispensing'station comprising:

a conduit means including a molten lead transporting portion which is generally rectangular in crosssection, said conduit having one end in communication with said dispensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening positioned in the reservoir; a first resealable closure means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; second resealable closure means intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the conduit; whereby when said first closure means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the second closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the second closure means maybe closed, the first closure means removed, and the conduit will be in a condition for permitting flow of molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station, said generally rectangular portion accommodating expansion during heating thereof.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,8l5o623 Dated June 11, 1974 Inventor(s) J FARMER It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In Claim 3 at column 5 line' 26, after "and" insert --including--.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest: v

McCOY M. GIBSON JR, c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-1050 (10-69) USCOMM'DC 60370-P59 i ".8. GOVIIIIIII PIIIQIIIG OPFICI I!" 0-3.6-35

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE ()F CORRECTION Patent No. 3,815,623 Dated June ll, 1974 Inventor-(s) J E RMER It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In Claim 3 at column 5, line 26, after "and" insert --including.

Signed and sealed this 29th day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officerv Commissioner of Patents FORM PC4050 (10-69) USOMM DC 60376-969 r us. aovllumlur mug-nus omct I969 o-asa-ssa 

1. A molten metal delivery system for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a dispensing station comprising: a normally continuous flow siphon conduit means extending from the reservoir to the dispensing station having one end in communication with said dispensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening submerged in the molten metal in the reservoir; said conduit normally being continuously full of molten metal when in use; a first resealable closure means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; second releasable closure means at an elevated position intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the conduit when opened to stop the siphon flow from the reservoir to the dispensing station in case repairs are needed; whereby when said first closure means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the second closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the second closure means may be closed, the first closure means removed, and the conduit will be in a condition providing continuous communication of molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station.
 2. The molten metal delivery system of claim 1 wherein said second closure means is located substantially at the uppermost portion of said conduit.
 3. The molten metal delivery system of claim 1 wherein heater means is associated with the conduit and extends from sAid upright portion to said dispensing station and a heat dissipation member embracing said heater means.
 4. The molten metal delivery system of claim 3 wherein the heat dissipation member comprises a channeled member which extends generally the length of the conduit.
 5. A molten metal delivery system for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a dispensing station comprising: a conduit means having one end in communication with said dispensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening positioned in the reservoir; a first resealable closure means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; second resealable closure means intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the conduit; whereby when said first closure means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the second closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the second closure means may be closed, the first closure means removed, and the conduit will be in a condition for permitting flow of molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station, said first closure means including an upright plug mounted on a lateral extension of an elongate handle.
 6. A molten metal delivery system for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a dispensing station comprising: a conduit means having one end in communication with said dispensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening positioned in the reservoir; plug means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; means for moving said plug means between sealing and opening positions with respect to said other end of the conduit; resealable closure means intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the conduit; whereby when said plug means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the resealable closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the closure means may be closed, the plug means removed to open position, and the conduit will be in a condition for permitting flow of molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station.
 7. A molten metal delivery system for delivering molten metal from a reservoir to a dispensing station comprising: a conduit means including a molten lead transporting portion which is generally rectangular in cross-section, said conduit having one end in communication with said dispensing station, with the other end terminating in an opening positioned in the reservoir; a first resealable closure means of a size and shape to close said other end of said conduit; second resealable closure means intermediate the ends of the conduit for establishing communication between the interior and exterior of the conduit; whereby when said first closure means is in position closing the other end of said conduit, the second closure means may be opened and said conduit filled with molten metal through the opening, following which the second closure means may be closed, the first closure means removed, and the conduit will be in a condition for permitting flow of molten metal from said reservoir to the dispensing station, said generally rectangular portion accommodating expansion during heating thereof. 